Electric Distribution Systems (EDS) Engineering Technician

University-of-North-Carolina-At-Chapel-Hil; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking an Energy Utilities Specialist for the Electric Distribution Systems group. The role focuses on design review, project management, and maintenance of the campus electric network, including GIS integration and work-order generation in Maximo.

Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma with related experience and a willingness to work in an electric utility environment on-site with occasional overtime and in adverse weather as

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency with two years of related experience.
• Equivalent combination of training and experience acceptable.
• Certification(s) may be required.

Responsibilities

• Design, review, monitor construction, inspect and manage maintenance, repair, renovation, and new construction projects for electric distribution systems.
• Familiar with electric distribution system models, GIS, and Maximo for work orders and sketches; coordinate with contractors and designers.

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Job description

Electric Distribution Systems (EDS) Engineering Technician

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

**ELIGIBILITY FOR SIGN-ON BONUS

The selected candidate for this position may be eligible for a sign-on bonus. Qualified applicants must apply and be selected from the candidate pool of this posting and meet the State policy following requirements: To be eligible for a Sign-on bonus, an individual must not have worked in a probationary, permanent, or time-limited appointment in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including but not limited to the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system in a position subject to the State Human Resources Act.

A newly hired permanent full time or permanent part-time (more than 20 hours a week) employee are eligible for a sign-on bonus (this will be prorated for employees working more than 20 hours and less than 40 hours per week).

This SHRA Sign-on Bonus is contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. All recipients must sign the Pay Back Agreement form. Additional information regarding the SHRA Sign-on Policy can be found https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy .

Posting Information

Posting Information

Department

Department ES EDS-227210

Career Area Engineering and Architecture

Is this an internal only recruitment?

Is this an internal only recruitment? No

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 09/15/2026

Application Deadline

Application Deadline 10/28/2026

Position Type

Position Type Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Position Title

Position Title Energy Utilities Specialist - Advanced

Salary Grade Equivalent

Salary Grade Equivalent NC13 / GN12

Working Title

Working Title Electric Distribution Systems (EDS) Engineering Technician

Position Number

Position Number 00055723

Vacancy ID

Vacancy ID P021381

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited Full-Time Permanent

If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment

Hours per week 40

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday 7am-4pm Emergency Duty, Adverse Weather Essential and Communicable Disease Mandatory Position – as such this position must report to work during adverse weather (snow, ice, tornado, hurricane, etc.), University declared emergency event and/or pandemic or other health emergency.

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC -Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The primary purpose of Electric Distribution Systems ( EDS ) is the distribution of electricity to the various buildings on the University campus and to the UNC Hospitals. This is accomplished through a complex system of 12kV underground circuits in duct banks run all over campus, which is controlled and protected by a modern relay and control system. EDS is part of Energy Services.

Position Summary

A SIGN -ON BONUS OF $6,953 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE : $3,476.50 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE & $3,476.50 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE . Electric Distribution Systems ( EDS ) receives electric energy from both the local utility provider, Duke Energy, and the UNC -CH Cogeneration Facility. The electricity from both sources is delivered to four (4) substations, three (3) of which have been recently expanded and upgraded. The substations have a total power capacity of 251 megawatts or approximately enough power for 26,000 homes. Three substations are connected using an entirely new technology in high voltage switchgear, Gas Insulated Switchgear ( GIS ). This is the first of its type on the Duke Energy system. This special state-of-the-art switchgear technology provides the means to completely enclose the necessary high voltage conductors and switchgear inside housings that are insulated with a special gas, sulfur hexafluoride. These upgrades provide significant improvement in system reliability and some redundancy in the event of any system problem or failure, while allowing for continued growth and expansion of the University electric energy delivery system. The University owns and operates an electrical distribution system extending from the substations to each of the individual buildings served. This system is comprised of 988 electric and telecommunication manholes tied together through 43 miles of duct bank containing 79 miles of underground cable and 5 miles of overhead electric lines – operating at 12,470 volts. The electric energy is delivered using 59 high speed automated switches and 144 manual switches serving 418 transformers. Protective relays in substation breakers, high speed switches, and 338 power quality meters report to SCADA and metering servers over 60 miles of fiber optic cable via communications switches. Electric Distribution Systems is also responsible for the installation, operation and maintenance of all roadway, parking lot and area lighting systems, presently comprised of 3,319 lights. This position serves as the responsible Engineer Technician who serves as a paraprofessional of the Electric Distribution Systems Engineering group. This individual has the responsibility in the design, design review, construction monitoring, inspection and management of maintenance, repair, renovation, and new construction projects. This position also needs to be familiar with the electric system model, Geographic Information System ( GIS ), EDS switching procedures, and working knowledge from the IBM Maximo system (work management system) to produce work orders, produce sketches and the ability to work with contractors/designers on the EDS system.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency and two years of related experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Requires certification(s).

Management Preferences

At least two (2) years’ experience in design, operation, and/or control of electrical distribution systems within an electric utility, large industrial complex, or multi-disciplined research and medical care campus environment like UNC -Chapel Hill.

Required Licenses/Certifications

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

This position requires bending, stooping, climbing/working from high ladders/scaffolding, working on hands and knees, working with arms/hands above head for long periods of time and working with large pieces of equipment, as well as, moving/lifting to 50 lbs. and other physical activities. The environmental conditions vary tremendously from air conditioning and heat to dusty, hot, humid, and cold conditions. This position will be required to work in all conditions for various lengths of time depending on the operational requirements. This position will work in an industrial environment. This position could be exposed to high voltage equipment, heights, and manholes with standing water.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements

Position/Schedule Requirements Evening work occasionally, Night work occasionally, Overtime occasionally, Valid NC Driver’s License, Weekend work occasionally

Special Instructions

**ELIGIBILITY FOR SIGN -ON BONUS

The selected candidate for this position may be eligible for a sign-on bonus. Qualified applicants must apply and be selected from the candidate pool of this posting and meet the State policy following requirements: To be eligible for a Sign-on bonus, an individual must not have worked in a probationary, permanent, or time-limited appointment in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including but not limited to the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system in a position subject to the State Human Resources Act.

A newly hired permanent full time or permanent part-time (more than 20 hours a week) employee are eligible for a sign-on bonus (this will be prorated for employees working more than 20 hours and less than 40 hours per week).

This SHRA Sign-on Bonus is contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. All recipients must sign the Pay Back Agreement form. Additional information regarding the SHRA Sign-on Policy can be found https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy .

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]. Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References

Optional Documents

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Briefly explain your electric distribution systems experience. (Open Ended Question)
• * Describe your technical skills in the area of electric distribution systems or utilities sector. (Open Ended Question)
• * Please select the response below that best describes your experience/education for the Energy Utilities Specialist position.
  • High school diploma or equivalency and 2 years of related experience.
  • Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's or PhD and 2 years of related experience.
  • Did not complete high school but have a combination of education and related experience to equal 6 years.
  • None of the above